Madison Wisconsin Real Estate Market Update - November 2025
Last updated: Nov 2, 2025
Your November 2025 Madison housing market update: strong seller's market with 1.59 months of inventory and a $427,000 median price — what that means for you below.
Key Takeaways - November 2025
- Median home price: $427,000 (up 2.9% year-over-year)
- Homes sell fast: 12 days median time on market
- Market status: Strong seller's market (1.59 months supply)
- Limited inventory: Only 340 active listings available
- Best for buyers: Be prepared to act quickly with strong financing
- Best for sellers: Excellent conditions with fast sales and strong demand
- Year-to-date: 2,183 sales totaling over $1 billion in volume
Madison Wisconsin Housing Market Analysis – November 2025
Quick Market Facts
Data source: South Central Wisconsin MLS. Data deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Hyper-Local Market Overview
Strong seller's market persists: With just 1.59 months of inventory and a 12-day median DOM, Madison remains firmly in seller's market territory. This tight supply continues to favor sellers, with the median price climbing 2.9% year-over-year to $427,000.
Fast-paced sales environment: The median price hit $427,000 (up 2.9% YoY) while the average climbed to $495,917 (up 8.5% YoY). This strong price growth reflects continued demand in Madison's competitive housing market.
Year-to-date snapshot: From January through November 1st, Madison recorded 2,183 sales (+0.4% YoY) with total volume exceeding $1.05 billion (+5.4% YoY). New listings delivered: 2,740 (+2.5% YoY). Active listings at snapshot: 340, with 213 pending.
Madison Market Geography
Primary Coverage Area: Madison, Wisconsin (53703, 53704, 53705, 53711, 53713, 53714, 53715, 53716, 53717, 53718, 53719, 53726)
Extended Service Area: Greater Dane County including surrounding communities
School Districts: Madison Metropolitan School District, Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
City Info: Learn more about Madison amenities
Current Market Conditions & Trends
- Seller's market dominance: At 1.59 months of supply, sellers maintain strong negotiating power. Balanced markets typically have 4-6 months of inventory.
- Rapid turnover continues: Median days on market of 12 shows homes are moving quickly. Well-priced properties often receive multiple offers within the first week.
- Price per square foot rising: At $266 (up 3.9% YoY), per-square-foot values continue climbing despite inventory constraints.
- Sale-to-list ratio tight: Average sale-to-list at -0.57% means homes are selling just slightly below asking price, showing balanced negotiation in a competitive environment.
- Limited new supply: Only 207 new listings in October (down 18.2% YoY) continues the supply shortage that defines Madison's market.
- Year-to-date performance strong: 2,183 sales with YTD median at $424,900 and YTD average at $481,119 show consistent market health.
Madison vs. Nearby Communities – Price Comparison
| Community | Median Price | Months Supply | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison | $427,000 | 1.59 | Diverse housing stock, tight inventory |
| Waunakee | $599,500 | 3.31 | Premium schools, balanced market |
| Sun Prairie | $431,000 | 2.13 | Similar pricing, faster sales |
| Middleton | ~$550,000 | 2.8 | West side premium |
| Verona | ~$475,000 | 2.5 | Growing employment hub |
*Recent benchmarks; latest local MLS releases may vary by month. Figures reflect November 1 snapshot unless noted.
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Inventory & Market Activity
- Active inventory: Just 340 homes available as of November 1st — extremely tight supply.
- Pending sales: 213 contracts in process, showing continued strong buyer demand.
- New listings October: 207 new listings (down 18.2% YoY) — sellers remain hesitant to list.
- New pendings October: 199 new accepted offers showing buyer activity remains robust.
- Year-to-date new listings: 2,740 total listings delivered (up 2.5% YoY).
- Supply by price range: Tightest inventory in the $300K–$500K range (under 2 months supply).
Big Picture: What's Driving Madison's Market?
Madison's market remains tight due to a perfect storm of factors: limited new construction, low inventory, strong employment (Epic Systems, UW-Madison, state government), and steady population growth. Despite rising rates, qualified buyers continue to compete for limited inventory.
Integrity Homes' view: With 1.59 months of supply, even a small increase in listings or decrease in rates could shift momentum quickly. Sellers who list now face minimal competition, while buyers need to be pre-approved, decisive, and ready to compete on well-priced homes.
Market Forecast & Buyer/Seller Recommendations
Madison Market Outlook
Expect continued seller's market conditions through late fall and winter. With 1.59 months of supply and 12-day median DOM, properly priced homes will continue to sell quickly. The traditional winter slowdown may be less pronounced this year due to severe inventory constraints.
What Sellers Need to Know
- Your window is now: With minimal competition (only 340 active listings city-wide), sellers who list in late fall/early winter face fewer competing properties.
- Price it right from day one: Even in a seller's market, the first two weeks matter most. Overpricing leads to stale listings that take longer to sell.
- Presentation drives premium: Professional photos, staging, and addressing visible maintenance issues can add thousands to your final sale price.
- Neighborhood matters: Madison is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Work with an agent who knows your micro-market's recent comparable sales.
- Expect quick decisions: With 12-day median DOM, qualified buyers are ready to move. Be prepared for showings and offers quickly after listing.
What Buyers Need to Know
- Pre-approval is mandatory: In a market with 1.59 months of supply, sellers won't entertain offers without strong financing proof. Explore available loan programs and assistance options to maximize your buying power.
- Be ready to move fast: Good homes receive multiple offers within 5–7 days. Have your inspection contingency strategy ready.
- Know your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves: With limited inventory, compromise may be necessary. Focus on location and structure; cosmetic updates can come later.
- Expand your neighborhood search: Madison has diverse neighborhoods at various price points. Look beyond your first choice to find hidden gems.
- Work with a local expert: Madison's market is hyper-local. An agent who knows neighborhood nuances can identify opportunities before they hit the market.
- Consider new construction: While limited, new construction options may offer less competition than resale homes.
- Veterans and military families: Take advantage of VA loan benefits with $0 down payment. Review our complete VA loan guide for Wisconsin-specific information.
Finding Your Perfect Madison Home
Working with Madison Real Estate Agents
Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial in Madison's competitive market. Look for agents who specialize in your target neighborhoods, have strong MLS access, and understand local market conditions. At Integrity Homes Wisconsin, we provide:
- Real-time MLS alerts for new listings matching your criteria
- Exclusive access to off-market properties and coming-soon listings
- Expert neighborhood knowledge and comparative market analysis
- Negotiation expertise in multiple-offer situations
- Special programs for veterans, first responders, teachers, and healthcare workers through Reward Our Heroes
Popular Home Features Madison Buyers Search For
Homes with Swimming Pools: While less common due to Wisconsin's climate, homes with pools exist in premium neighborhoods like Maple Bluff and along the lakes. In-ground pools typically add $20,000–$50,000 to home values.
Large Backyards: Popular in family neighborhoods on the west and north sides. Look for homes on larger lots (0.25+ acres) in established subdivisions or near parks for additional outdoor space.
Energy-Efficient Features: Increasingly important to Madison buyers. Look for Energy Star appliances, high-efficiency HVAC systems, updated insulation, and newer windows. Some newer homes feature solar panels, geothermal heating, and smart home technology.
Virtual Tours Available: Most active listings now include 3D virtual tours. Ask your agent about homes with Matterport or video walkthroughs.
Best Online Platforms to Search Madison Homes
While Zillow and Realtor.com provide basic listings, the most accurate and up-to-date Madison home information comes from direct MLS access through local real estate professionals. Integrity Homes Wisconsin provides:
- Same-day MLS updates with no delay
- Accurate pricing and status
- Complete property history and detailed disclosures
- Neighborhood statistics and school boundary maps
- Ability to schedule showings directly through the platform
Frequently Asked Questions
For Home Buyers in Madison, WI
For Home Sellers in Madison, WI
Methodology & Update Log
- Metrics reflect SCWMLS data captured on/around the 1st of each month; late entries may revise prior month counts.
- Medians/averages exclude clear outliers; $/SqFt uses finished above-grade square footage.
- Year-to-date figures represent January 1 – November 1, 2025.
- Months of supply calculated as active listings divided by 12-month average monthly sales.
- Updated: Nov 2, 2025 — initial publish.